Sip your way through a lush, blossoming meadow with this dairy-free iced lavender cream oat milk latte. This vibrant layered drink features rich espresso, creamy oat milk, and a floral lavender sweet cream cold foam for a delightful latte with a springtime twist.
When springtime rolls around, Starbucks enthusiastically welcomes the season with an assortment of lavender drinks. From a lavender-flavored oat milk latte with espresso to an oat milk matcha latte topped with lavender cream cold foam and a lavender crème frappuccino, these seasonal drinks offer a fresh way to welcome spring.
Inspired by these café-style drinks, this iced lavender cream oat milk latte features a classic espresso and oat milk base topped with a luscious, dairy-free lavender sweet cream cold foam. The vibrant purple foam adds a touch of indulgence and a beautiful color contrast, making this drink just as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Whether you make your own or use store-bought, the lavender syrup brings a delicate floral flavor that elevates the entire drink. The best way to enjoy this latte is by sipping it directly from the glass — no straw, no stirring — so you can experience the contrast between the bold coffee and the creamy lavender foam in every sip.
It may seem like an unexpected combination, but the floral notes of lavender pair perfectly with the rich, bold flavor of espresso. The oat milk’s velvety texture, natural sweetness, and subtle oat flavor tie everything together, creating a smooth, balanced, and uniquely refreshing beverage. It truly tastes like springtime in a cup.
Looking for more creative drinks to try? Check out my iced samoa cookie latte for another fun and indulgent coffee treat you’ll love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delicious way to caffeinate: Perfect for sweet coffee lovers, this latte combines punchy espresso with a hint of lavender for an energizing, uplifting drink.
- Tastes like spring in a cup: The lavender syrup adds a light, aromatic flavor that feels fresh and floral — ideal for spring or summer sipping.
- Easy to make: Simply simmer a quick lavender syrup (or use store-bought to save time), whip up the cold foam, and assemble everything in a glass.
- Better than the coffee shop: Skip the overpriced coffee run and make this latte at home instead. It’s more affordable, made with simpler ingredients, has less sugar, is fully customizable, and lets you channel your inner barista.
- Visually stunning: The vibrant purple cold foam makes this drink especially Instagram-worthy.
- Dairy-free: Unlike many coffee shop cold foams, this homemade version contains no dairy but is still ultra-creamy.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here's what you'll need to create this beautiful beverage!
Lavender Simple Syrup
I've included an easy lavender syrup in this recipe, but you can also use store-bought lavender syrup as a shortcut. If you’d like to make it yourself, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Dried lavender buds: Tiny purple flower buds that infuse the syrup with delicate lavender flavor.
- Water: For the base of the syrup.
- Sugar: I use pure, unrefined cane sugar, but white granulated sugar works too.
- Vanilla extract: Optional, brings a warm note that pairs beautifully with the lavender. Vanilla bean paste is even better if you have it.
Lavender Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Gather the following:
- Dairy-free heavy cream: Makes the most creamy, frothy cold foam without the dairy. I like the Country Crock or Silk brands. Canned full-fat coconut milk can be used instead (chilled overnight so the thick cream separates to the top); it whips slightly less creamy and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
- Oat milk: Just a splash to help lighten the cold foam.
- Lavender syrup: Use the homemade version included in the recipe, or use store-bought.
- Acai powder: This fine, freeze-dried powder adds a pretty purple hue to the cold foam and a hint of tart berry flavor that pairs nicely with lavender. You can also use other purple superfood powders, like maqui, or simply a few drops of natural red and blue food coloring.
Oat Milk Latte
For assembling the drink, you’ll need:
- Ice: For serving the latte chilled.
- Oat milk: Any milk will work here, but I find that the oaty flavor and velvety texture of oat milk works well in this drink. I like using extra creamy versions here, but regular or homemade work just as well.
- Espresso: A double shot of espresso gives a rich, bold flavor. No espresso machine? Mix 2 teaspoons of instant espresso with ¼ cup hot water, or use ½ cup strongly brewed coffee (brew with less water for a concentrated flavor).
- Sweetener: Optional — for a sweet latte, add vanilla syrup, sugar, agave, or more lavender syrup. Stevia or monkfruit work well for a lower-sugar option. Don’t oversweeten — the lavender foam already adds sweetness.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
Variations
Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
- White mocha: Add a touch of white chocolate syrup to the cold foam, or swirl it into the latte itself. Lavender and white chocolate make a surprisingly delicious pair!
- Citrus: Stir in a splash of fresh orange or blood orange juice with the espresso-oat milk base for a bright, fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the floral lavender foam.
- Cold brew: Swap the espresso-oat milk mixture for cold brew coffee. Pour over ice, top with lavender sweet cream foam, and enjoy a smooth, refreshing, and slightly different coffee experience — perfect for warm spring days.
- Matcha latte: If matcha is more your style, substitute the espresso with 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder whisked with ¼ cup hot water. I can confirm that lavender cold foam + matcha is a heavenly pairing!
How to Make an Iced Lavender Cream Oat Milk Latte
Here's how to make this delightful springtime-inspired drink!
Make the Lavender Simple Syrup
If you’d like to make homemade lavender syrup for this latte, start here:
Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the lavender buds and water. Bring to a boil, then add the sugar.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Turn off the heat and stir in vanilla extract, if using. Let the mixture sit in the pot for about 30 minutes to allow the lavender to infuse its flavor.
Step 4: Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar or airtight container, discarding the lavender buds. Your syrup is ready to use!
Note: This recipe makes about ¾ cup of syrup, so you’ll have extra. Cover and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — perfect for lattes, lemonade, mocktails, and more.
Make the Lavender Sweet Cream Cold Foam
Step 1: In a small glass, combine the dairy-free heavy cream, oat milk, a tablespoon of the prepared (or store-bought) lavender syrup, and acai powder.
Step 2: Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until thick and smooth, with the consistency of pourable whipped cream. Don’t have a frother? Combine the ingredients in a jar, secure the lid, and shake until creamy — it won’t be quite as thick, but still delicious.
Assemble the Latte
Time to create your latte masterpiece!
Step 1: Add a handful of ice to a serving glass, then pour in the oat milk and espresso. If you’d like, sweeten the latte with your favorite sweetener. Stir gently to combine. Feel free to add more sweetener or more oat milk to taste.
Step 2: Top with the lavender sweet cream cold foam. Sip directly from the glass and enjoy!
Chloe's Tips
- How to enjoy: To experience the contrast between the latte and the cold foam, sip directly from the glass — no straw, no stirring. Each sip starts with creamy lavender foam, followed by the bold espresso. If you prefer, stir the foam into the latte — this creates a thicker, creamier drink with a more even flavor throughout. (And yes, I do have a straw in the photos. Feel free to use one if you’d like; it’s totally up to you.)
- For the best presentation: Serve it in a cute glass. Optional, but makes your latte feel extra special — perfect for photographing or just enjoying the moment.
Serving Suggestions
This lavender latte pairs beautifully with breakfast or brunch — think buttery croissants, delicate shortbread cookies, or your favorite morning pastry. It’s also perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up or served with a handful of fresh berries.
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Thank you!
–Chloe
Iced Lavender Cream Oat Milk Latte
By Chloe MartinIngredients
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 3 tablespoons dried lavender buds
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup pure cane sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (optional for extra flavor)
Lavender Sweet Cream Cold Foam
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free heavy cream (or canned full-fat coconut milk)
- 1 tablespoon oat milk
- 1 tablespoon lavender syrup (use the homemade recipe or use store-bought)
- ¼ teaspoon acai powder (or a few drops of natural red and blue food coloring)
Latte
- handful of ice cubes
- ¾ cup oat milk
- 2 shots (1 ounce or ¼ cup) espresso (see notes for substitutions)
- 1-3 teaspoons sweetener of choice (optional, to taste — such as vanilla syrup, sugar, agave, or more lavender syrup)
Instructions
Make Lavender Simple Syrup
- If using store-bought syrup, you can skip the homemade syrup steps.In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine lavender buds and water. Bring to a boil, then add the sugar.
- Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in vanilla, if using. Allow the lavender to steep as it cools, about 30 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar or airtight container, discarding the lavender buds. Your syrup is now ready to use.Note: This recipe makes about ¾ cup of syrup, so you’ll have extra. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks — you can use it in lattes, lemonade, mocktails, and more.
Make Lavender Sweet Cream Cold Foam
- In a small glass, combine dairy-free heavy cream, oat milk, a tablespoon of the prepared (or store-bought) lavender syrup, and acai powder.
- Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until thick and smooth, with the consistency of pourable whippped cream. If you don't have a milk frother, combine the ingredients in a jar, secure the lid, and shake until creamy — it won’t be quite as thick, but still delicious. Set aside.
Assemble the Latte
- Fill a glass half full with ice. Pour in the oat milk and espresso. If desired, add your sweetener of choice. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust sweetener or oat milk as needed.
- Top latte with the lavender sweet cream cold foam. Sip and enjoy!Note: I recommend not to stir the layers together (swirling them together a little is okay) and sip directly from the glass rather than using a straw. This way, you get some latte and some cold foam in every sip, while still enjoying the contrast between the two.
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